LSU Insider Provides Up-to-Date Information on Garrett Nussmeier’s Backup Plans, While Brian Kelly Gets an Unexpected Spring Camp Update

As the 2025 college football season draws nearer, LSU Tigers fans and analysts alike are closely watching how the team is shaping up during spring camp. With head coach Brian Kelly looking to build on the momentum from his early years in Baton Rouge, the quarterback position is a critical area of focus. Garrett Nussmeier, the presumed starting quarterback for LSU, is under the microscope as he prepares to take the reins of a high-powered offense in one of the toughest conferences in the nation, the SEC. However, there have been some unexpected twists during LSU’s spring camp, particularly when it comes to Nussmeier’s backup plans, which have led to questions about how Brian Kelly and his staff will manage the quarterback room going forward.

In this article, we will dive into the latest developments surrounding Garrett Nussmeier’s backup situation, examining who might step up as his primary backup for the upcoming season. Additionally, we will explore a surprising update from Brian Kelly during spring camp that could impact not only the quarterback competition but the team as a whole.

Garrett Nussmeier: The Clear Starter?

At the start of spring camp, it was widely understood that Garrett Nussmeier would be LSU’s starting quarterback for the 2025 season. After a promising but inconsistent 2024 season, in which Nussmeier showed flashes of brilliance while also having his struggles, he entered spring camp as the team’s clear leader under center. With a strong arm, excellent mobility, and the ability to make difficult throws, Nussmeier has all the physical tools to succeed at the highest level. However, his development as a quarterback is still a work in progress, and the LSU coaching staff has made it clear that Nussmeier needs to improve on his decision-making and consistency to take that next step.

While Nussmeier has been working hard to refine his game and prove that he can be the next elite quarterback at LSU, the reality of college football is that depth at the quarterback position is just as crucial as having a solid starter. LSU fans and analysts alike are asking the question: who will be the backup quarterback for LSU in 2025? Who will step up to provide insurance in case Nussmeier goes down or struggles during the season?

The Backup Quarterback Battle

As spring camp unfolds, the backup quarterback position has become one of the most discussed and critical storylines surrounding LSU football. While the starter may be clear in Garrett Nussmeier, the backup role is far from decided. LSU has several quarterbacks on the roster vying for the job, and how they perform in these spring practices will play a significant role in determining who will be the primary backup in the fall.

1. Walker Howard: A Highly-Touted Freshman with Big Potential

One name that has been making waves during spring camp is Walker Howard, a highly-rated freshman quarterback who arrived at LSU with a reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in his recruiting class. Howard was a five-star prospect with exceptional mechanics, football IQ, and a strong arm. While he hasn’t yet played at the collegiate level, he’s been turning heads with his playmaking ability during spring camp.

Howard’s ability to process information quickly and make accurate throws under pressure has impressed LSU coaches, and he has been working closely with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to learn the ins and outs of LSU’s system. His potential to be an elite quarterback in the future is clear, and if Nussmeier struggles or is unable to play, Howard could be the next man up for the Tigers.

2. Myles Brennan: The Veteran Presence

While Howard’s name has been gaining attention, Myles Brennan, a veteran quarterback who has been at LSU for several years, is still in the mix for the backup role. Brennan has been a steady presence in the quarterback room and has seen significant playing time in previous seasons. While he’s had his share of injuries, Brennan’s experience in big games gives him a level of maturity that could make him an invaluable asset in the backup role.

Brennan has often been regarded as a reliable backup option, and while his ceiling may not be as high as Howard’s in terms of long-term potential, his ability to step in and manage a game in the event of an injury to Nussmeier is crucial for LSU’s success. With his familiarity with LSU’s offensive system and his leadership in the locker room, Brennan is someone who could provide valuable support for Nussmeier, especially if the team needs a steady hand in a pinch.

3. Jaden Daniels (Not to be confused with Arizona State transfer)

One of the most interesting storylines of spring camp has been the competition between Nussmeier and another transfer quarterback, Jaden Daniels, who joined LSU from Arizona State. Though Daniels has been with LSU for only a short period of time, he’s impressed coaches with his dual-threat ability. As a quarterback who can beat you with both his arm and legs, Daniels brings an added dimension to the offense. This is particularly appealing in LSU’s scheme, which often incorporates read-option and designed quarterback runs.

Daniels’ experience in the Pac-12, where he was a starting quarterback for Arizona State, means that he has already seen significant competition at the college level. His ability to run the offense while making plays with his legs is a valuable asset in today’s game. While Daniels may not be the starter at this point, his skill set could be important in the backup role, especially in certain game situations where LSU might want to add a more mobile option behind Nussmeier.

4. T.J. Finley: The X-Factor

A potential wild card in the backup quarterback race is T.J. Finley, a transfer quarterback from Auburn who spent some time starting for the Tigers before making the move to LSU. Finley, who has SEC experience under his belt, offers a strong arm and the kind of physical tools that LSU fans have seen in flashes over the years.

Despite his potential, Finley has had a rocky career, and his consistency has been a concern. Still, he offers LSU a unique option in the quarterback room with his size and experience. Finley has shown an ability to make deep throws and drive the ball downfield, but his decision-making and accuracy need improvement. If Finley can refine these aspects of his game, he could surprise as a backup quarterback for LSU, giving the Tigers another veteran option.

Brian Kelly’s Spring Camp Update: A Surprise Development

As spring practices progress, it’s not just the quarterbacks who are drawing attention. Brian Kelly, who took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, has been working hard to establish his program and create a winning culture. In his most recent spring camp update, Kelly revealed a surprising development that could impact LSU’s quarterback situation and potentially influence the backup plans for Garrett Nussmeier.

In a candid interview with the media, Kelly shared that he had received an unexpected spring camp update that could change the course of LSU’s quarterback depth chart. According to Kelly, the competition for the backup role has been far more competitive than initially anticipated, with several players emerging as legitimate options to be Nussmeier’s understudy. While Howard and Brennan had been expected to be the primary contenders for the backup job, Kelly noted that there were several other quarterbacks in camp who had impressed him with their growth and improvement.

Most notably, Kelly mentioned Jaden Daniels as a potential option for the backup role, citing his impressive adaptability and ability to thrive in different offensive systems. Kelly emphasized that Daniels’ experience and dual-threat ability could give him an edge when it comes to adding a different dimension to LSU’s offense if needed.

The Importance of Backup Quarterbacks for LSU’s 2025 Campaign

As LSU continues to develop its quarterback situation, the backup role will remain a crucial point of focus for the team’s success. While Garrett Nussmeier is the team’s clear starter, ensuring that the Tigers have a reliable backup ready to step in is vital for navigating the rigors of the SEC. With an unpredictable conference schedule and the possibility of injury or inconsistency, having a strong backup quarterback who can lead the offense without missing a beat is essential for LSU’s chances at a successful 2025 season.

Whether it’s Walker Howard’s promising future, Myles Brennan’s steady leadership, or Jaden Daniels’ dual-threat potential, LSU has several options to consider. The team’s depth at the quarterback position could ultimately be a strength, as the Tigers have multiple players who could step in and execute the game plan if called upon.